The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-28

only taller and more developed than
the blooming child of those olden days.
Here was the same head Unframed in
wavy brown hair which seemed Etrewn
with gold-dust. The acknowledgement
profile, the piquant nose, the warm
cOmplexion-all seemed the very same.
Was he dreaming? Was he under some
enchanter's spell? He drew nearer.
THE Russian DOCTOR" the servant
announced, and vanished.
An upturned face showed the eyes OF
Hortense gazing into those of the doc
tOr-not sunny, clear and confident rs
in that early day, but sad and entreat-
ing. On the lap of the young girl lay
the child, moaning and clasping her
hand.
"HOrtense st. Hilaire!" murmured
the doctor, as in a dream.
THAT was my mothers name,
came the answer, in foreign accent.
my name is Desiree Duvois, and am
French governess in this house. You
are DR.. Elbthal, and you knew my
mother as a child. How delighted |
am to see you! l have so longed to
make your acquaintance. l sent TOR
you because sure of your skill. ="
Her eyes now fell upon the child who
breathed heavily. In a moment Az
MIN was near her, all other thoughts
and remembrances los; in the physi-
clan who examined the patient and
gave directions in that clear, decided
way which impressed all he met.
Il shall remain until the crisis is
over" he said.
Desiree's eyes spoke her gratitude.
She nodded, but asked no question.
The child's nurse, who slept in the
next room, entered noiselessly. The
little form was laid in bed, the doctor
and the governess sitting on either
side.
The doctor ventured only one ques-
ton: Where does your mother live?"
The girls eyes filled with tears us
she answered. Mamma died six years
ago-papa long before. l scarce re-
member him. L am an orphan. Dis
tant relatives in Paris brought me here
year ago that l might earn my own
living
Her voice choked, she bowed her
head and hot tears fell upon the tiny
hands of the sick child which clutched
at the lace trimmings of the satin quilt.
Poor young creature. How hard to
see her days pass thus, loveless and
homeless, Poor Hortense - to be
forced to die leaving daughter alone
and unprotected in a cruel world!
Now began the laggard course of
those leaden hours all know who have
watched by sick-bed, noting every
pulse-beat of the sufferer who is
struggling with life and death. AT
the foot of the bed covered the old
nurse, panic-stricken and helpless.
The other servants, anxious and eX-
cited, gathered in the kitchen and
gave vent to their fears in sepulchral
whispers. At last the violent
paroxysms subsidized. the child's
breathing grew more calm. and, as the
first sunbeam stole through the heavy
curtains, the doctors deep voice muir
INJURED: "Savedr'
For answer. Desiree bent over his
hand, and kissed it.
Now have the family physician
summoned" he said. Il was only
his substitute. think. Mile. DuvOis,
that, rs soon as the child's parents re-
turn. YOU may feel free to visit the
house where your mother lived rs a
child. Ny cousin Marianne will be
delighted to know you"
With beaming glance Desirec
reached him her hand.
II shall certainly come to thank you
and to talk with You of my mother. J
bless little Fanny's illness which has
brought to me the friend of her youth.
They parted each with q hearty Gst
Wiedersehen!
The master and mistress returned at
evening, the former very grateful to
the doctor, the latter, a paryenu who
stood much upon ceremony and had
great ideas of her personal conse-
quence, enraged that Desiree had taken
upon herself the responsibility Of sum-
moning physician who had not even
sent in his card. The old nurse jeal.
Gus of the child's affection for the gov
erness, added fuel to Madsme's WRATH
by representing that little Fanny had
not been alarmingly i'll and it would
have been safe to await the family ply
stefan. In spite of her husbands pro-
tests the imperious woman gave hei
governess notice to leave at New Years
TO BE Continued
4 Il -